1 John 3:16
Verse
Context
Love One Another
15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.16By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.17If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Hereby perceive we the love of God - This sixteenth verse of this third chapter of John's first epistle is, in the main, an exact counterpart of the sixteenth verse of the third chapter of St. John's gospel: God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, etc. Here the apostle says, We perceive, εγνωκαμεν, we have known, the love of God, because he laid down his life for us. Of God is not in the text, but it is preserved in one MS., and in two or three of the versions; but though this does not establish its authenticity, yet του Θεου, of God, is necessarily understood, or του Χριστου, of Christ, as Erpen's Arabic has it; or αυτου εις ἡμας, his love to us, as is found in the Syriac. A higher proof than this of his love Christ could not have possibly given to the children of men. We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren - We should risk our life to save the lives of others; and we should be ready to lay down our lives to redeem their souls when this may appear to be a means of leading them to God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
What true love to the brethren is, illustrated by the love of Christ to us. Hereby--Greek, "Herein." the love of God--The words "of God" are not in the original. Translate, "We arrive at the knowledge of love"; we apprehend what true love is. he--Christ. and we--on our part, if absolutely needed for the glory of God, the good of the Church, or the salvation of a brother. lives--Christ alone laid down His one life for us all; we ought to lay down our lives severally for the lives of the brethren; if not actually, at least virtually, by giving our time, care, labors, prayers, substance: Non nobis, sed omnibus. Our life ought not to be dearer to us than God's own Son was to Him. The apostles and martyrs acted on this principle.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But whoso hath this world's good,.... The possessions of this world, worldly substance, the temporal good things of it; for there are some things in it, which are honestly, pleasantly, and profitably good, when used lawfully, and not abused, otherwise they are to the owner's hurt: or "the living of this world"; that which the men of the world give up themselves to, are bent upon, and pursue after; or on which men live, and by which life is maintained, and preserved, and made comfortable in the present state of things; such as meat, drink, apparel, money, houses, lands, &c. The Ethiopic version renders it, "he that hath the government of this world"; as if it pointed at a person that is in some high office of worldly honour and profit, and is both great and rich; but the words are not to be restrained to such an one only, but refer to any man that has any share of the outward enjoyments of life; that has not only a competency for himself and family, but something to spare, and especially that has an affluence of worldly substance; but of him that has not, it is not required; for what a man distributes ought to be his own, and not another's, and in proportion to what he has, or according to his ability: and seeth his brother have need; meaning, not merely a brother in that strict and natural relation, or bond of consanguinity; though such an one in distress ought to be, in the first place, regarded, for no man should hide himself from, overlook and neglect his own flesh and blood; but any, and every man, "his neighbour", as the Ethiopic version reads, whom he ought to love as himself; and especially a brother in a spiritual relation, or one that is of the household of faith: if he has need; that is, is naked and destitute of daily food, has not the common supplies of life, and what nature requires; and also, whose circumstances are low and mean, though not reduced to the utmost extremity; and if he sees him in this distress with his own eyes, or if he knows it, hears of it, and is made acquainted with it, otherwise he cannot be blameworthy for not relieving him. And shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him; hardens his heart, turns away his eyes, and shuts his hand; has no tenderness in him for, nor sympathy with his distressed brother, nor gives him any succour: and this shows, that when relief is given, it should be not in a morose and churlish manner, with reflection and reproach, but with affection and pity; and where there is neither one nor the other, how dwelleth the love of God in him? neither the love with which God loves men; for if this was shed abroad in him, and had a place, and dwelt in him, and he was properly affected with it, it would warm his heart, and loosen his affections, and cause his bowels to move to his poor brother: nor the love with which God is loved; for if he does not love his brother whom he sees in distress, how should he love the invisible God? Jo1 4:20; nor that love which God requires of him, which is to love his neighbour as himself.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-18 Christ’s example shows that real love involves self-sacrifice. We do this by becoming truly concerned about the needs of others and by unselfishly giving time, effort, prayer, possessions, and even our lives to supply those needs.
1 John 3:16
Love One Another
15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer.16By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.17If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Four Loves
By C.S. Lewis12K00:29Types of LoveLoveChristian LoveMAT 22:37JHN 15:13ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:25COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 3:161JN 4:7C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic love between partners; and Agape, the selfless, unconditional love that reflects God's love for humanity and the love Christians should have for one another. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these different types of love in our relationships and spiritual lives.
To Live Is Christ - Full Length
By K.P. Yohannan4.6K46:17Jesus ChristMAT 6:33MAT 20:28MRK 10:45LUK 19:10ACT 20:24ROM 12:21JN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal encounter with a frail and humble village woman who radiated the love of Jesus. The woman, who had six sons, revealed to the speaker that she was on earth for a purpose - to fulfill her father's plan. The speaker then recounts a story of a young Christian who questioned why those who knew the Bible so well still lived lives filled with strife and worldly desires. The Lord's response was that they spent time with the Bible but lacked true transformation. The speaker also highlights the urgency of reaching the lost and emphasizes the need for families to come together and discuss the plight of those suffering in the world. The sermon concludes with a story of two brothers who preached the gospel to Muslims and were initially met with kindness, but the true intentions of the men were not as they seemed.
Others
By Denny Kenaston3.5K59:55Loving OthersROM 12:10ROM 15:7GAL 5:13EPH 4:2EPH 5:21COL 3:161TH 5:11HEB 10:24JAS 5:161PE 3:81PE 4:91JN 1:71JN 3:161JN 3:181JN 3:23In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience of preaching to children on a bus route and how it changed his life. He emphasizes the importance of using simple illustrations to hold the attention of young listeners and share the message of Jesus. The speaker also mentions the impact of sending young people on missions trips, hoping they will become addicted to serving others and make it a guiding principle in their lives. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the profound words spoken by Jesus on the cross, specifically his plea for forgiveness for those who crucified him.
5 Words for Easter
By George Verwer1.8K42:53Living a Crucified LifeGraceEasterJHN 3:16ACT 1:81CO 15:58GAL 2:201JN 3:16George Verwer emphasizes five key words for Easter, focusing on grace, discipline, vision, harvest, and being proactive in our faith. He highlights Galatians 2:20 as a central message, urging believers to live a crucified life where Christ lives in them. Verwer addresses the issue of nominalism in the church, stressing the importance of genuine faith and the transformative power of grace. He encourages the congregation to actively engage in sharing the gospel and to maintain a vision for global missions, reminding them that Easter is not just about what Jesus has done for us, but also about how we are called to live for Him. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to remember that even in difficult times, 'Sunday is coming.'
Qualifications for Spiritual Leadership - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung1.4K35:26Spiritual LeadershipEXO 4:13JDG 4:4MAT 25:21LUK 14:281CO 9:22GAL 2:201JN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the qualities of a true leader. He highlights the importance of brokenness and humility in leadership, contrasting it with the ambition and self-centeredness often seen in leaders. The speaker also emphasizes the need for leaders to inspire and work with others, sharing their burdens and vision. He uses the example of Deborah in the Old Testament as a powerful illustration of a leader who inspired and led her people to victory. The sermon concludes with a warning against seeking personal success and ambition, instead urging leaders to seek God's approval and blessing.
Growth Follows Revival
By Bill McLeod1.3K35:51Spiritual Growth2SA 9:1JOB 20:12JOB 34:12PRO 24:12MAT 3:112TI 1:61JN 3:16In this sermon, B. Earl shares a personal story about his struggles as an evangelist. He describes how he prepared tough and hard-hitting sermons in an attempt to reach stubborn people, but saw no response. After seeking God's guidance, he realized that the problem was with himself and not the people. He spent a night in prayer and experienced a transformation, being filled with the fullness of Christ's love. As a result, his ministry became fruitful, leading 150,000 people to find Christ. The sermon emphasizes the importance of total submission to Christ and the need to see others through God's love in order to effectively share the Gospel.
A Revolution in Discipleship
By George Verwer1.1K59:04DiscipleshipLUK 14:33JHN 1:9JHN 3:161JN 3:161JN 3:18In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern about effectively communicating his message to new listeners. He acknowledges that his passionate and extroverted style may not resonate with everyone. He emphasizes the importance of spending time with God through worship, prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and adoration. The speaker identifies five barriers that hinder people from truly knowing God and experiencing victory in their lives: busyness, worry, materialism, love for the world, and love for money. He encourages the audience to seek God above all else and to prioritize their relationship with Him.
Heartbeat of a Christian Work
By George Verwer1.1K50:31Christian WorkMAT 22:39MAT 25:40JHN 13:34ACT 17:10ROM 13:101CO 13:41JN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the core beliefs and emphasis of Operation Mobilization, a Christian organization. The first emphasis is on knowing the reality of God and experiencing true worship. The second emphasis is on the revolution of love and living in honesty and light. The third emphasis is on the sufficiency of Christ and living a victorious life. The speaker also highlights the importance of being open and transparent in one's life, as it can have a significant impact on physical and emotional well-being. The sermon encourages believers to prioritize these emphases in their lives and shares that evangelism will naturally flow from a genuine relationship with God.
Survival in Economic Crisis Eng to French
By George Verwer1.1K1:11:02Economic CrisisJAS 2:151JN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of counting the cost before engaging in battle. He highlights the potential negative influence of television, particularly in regards to the increasing presence of explicit content. The speaker emphasizes the need for discipline and prioritizing God's activities over consuming hours of television. Additionally, the sermon touches on the importance of saving money and being mindful of expenditures, as well as the potential impact of financial disagreements on marriages. The speaker encourages a simpler lifestyle and references biblical teachings on love and caring for others in need.
Spiritual Survival in the 80s 3
By George Verwer95154:23Spiritual SurvivalMAT 6:33JHN 3:161JN 3:16In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of building relationships and the challenges that can hinder them. He identifies several enemies of relationships, including pride, selfishness, and lack of forgiveness. The speaker emphasizes the need for discipline and organization in maintaining healthy relationships. He also highlights the power of God's Word in transforming lives and encourages listeners to memorize and meditate on Scripture.
Op World 5 Thurs 1982
By George Verwer90742:30Operation WorldEXO 4:2MAT 4:19MAT 6:33LUK 14:33ACT 2:451TI 6:171JN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not wasting time and using it wisely. He shares a personal story of taking a friend out in a kayak and losing valuable glasses in the lake, highlighting the consequences of not being disciplined with our time. The preacher also discusses the danger of allowing television to control our lives instead of us controlling it. He then shares his own experience of leaving behind a successful and comfortable life to follow Jesus, emphasizing that while not everyone is called to do the same, some are called to leave everything behind for the sake of the Gospel. The sermon concludes with references to biblical stories such as the story of the rich young ruler and the story of D.L. Moody, highlighting the importance of surrendering everything to follow Christ.
How Disunity Comes - Peshawar 17.3.85
By George Verwer89958:55DisunityMAT 6:33JHN 3:16JHN 13:341JN 3:16In this sermon, George Verwer speaks about the Lordship of Christ and the importance of surrendering our lives to Him. He highlights seven things that Christians often do that turn people off, such as making legalistic and narrow-minded statements without proper knowledge. Verwer also addresses the topic of patriotism and cautions against blindly supporting one's own country without critical thinking. He then focuses on the words of Jesus in John 13:34, emphasizing the significance of the new commandment to love one another. Despite some vocal difficulties, Verwer passionately shares his message and encourages the audience to listen to the words of Jesus and allow them to transform their lives.
What Is Love? the Root of Self-Seeking
By Brian Long89441:29LoveMAT 22:39JHN 3:16JHN 15:13GAL 5:22EPH 4:21JN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Scottish soldiers who were forced to work on a jungle railroad by their Japanese captors. One day, a shovel went missing and the officer in charge became enraged. He threatened to kill everyone if the shovel was not produced. Eventually, one man stepped forward and the officer beat him to death. It was later discovered that there had been a miscount and no shovel was actually missing. The preacher uses this story to emphasize the importance of focusing on lost souls and sharing the love of Jesus. He then references 1 John 3:16 to explain what love looks like, highlighting virtues such as patience and kindness. The preacher challenges the congregation to apply these principles in their own lives, particularly in being patient and waiting on others.
The Love of God Radio Message
By Lester Wilson83945:36Love Of GodMAT 6:33JHN 3:161JN 1:31JN 3:31JN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on John 3:16 and the love of God. He emphasizes that God's love is perfect and can cast out fear, which is prevalent in the world today. The preacher uses the analogy of an explorer trying to measure the depth of the ocean to illustrate the unfathomable depth of God's love. He also highlights that God's love is unmerited and undeserved, and gives an example of a man sacrificing his life for his friends to demonstrate the depth of God's love. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the incredible and incomprehensible nature of God's love.
A Change of Allegiance - Part 1
By Dean Taylor76340:04EXO 20:16MAT 26:52ROM 12:21JN 3:16This sermon delves into various ethical dilemmas faced by non-resistant Christians, such as the role of deception to protect innocent lives, the ownership of assault rifles, and participation in national holidays. It emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with the teachings of Jesus and trusting in God's guidance in challenging situations.
The Dual Meaning of the Breaking of Bread
By Zac Poonen63016:13PSA 139:16JHN 6:38ROM 12:21CO 10:161CO 11:24EPH 2:8HEB 10:51JN 3:16This sermon delves into the profound meaning behind the breaking of bread and partaking of the cup, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's mind through His word for life transformation. It explores the significance of Jesus' body being broken for us, symbolizing His complete surrender to God's will, and challenges believers to follow His example by denying their own will and embracing God's plan for their lives. The sermon also highlights the vertical aspect of the cross, surrendering to God's will, and the horizontal aspect, emphasizing unity and sacrificial love among believers in the body of Christ.
Lay Down Your Life!
By Basilea Schlink61904:35Radio ShowMAT 10:39MAT 16:24MRK 8:35LUK 9:23LUK 14:33JHN 12:251JN 3:16In this sermon by Basilia Shlink, the speaker shares a personal experience of building a chapel and motherhouse for a sisterhood. The project was challenging and demanding, but through prayer and commitment to Jesus, they found strength and joy in sacrificing their own lives for the work. The speaker emphasizes the importance of laying down one's life for the sake of Jesus and for the brethren, referencing the Bible verse 1 John 3:16. The sermon encourages listeners to embrace sacrifice and find blessings and abundant fruit in giving up and losing for the sake of Christ.
What God Is Doing
By George Verwer58142:46MAT 5:13MAT 22:37MAT 28:19ROM 8:91JN 3:16In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of witnessing God's power at work in changing individual lives. He specifically mentions a man named Tom Skinner, who was raised in Harlem and became involved in a ruthless gang. Despite his violent past, Tom had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ through the power of the gospel. He made the decision to leave the gang and follow Christ, even in the face of opposition from his fellow gang members. This testimony serves as a powerful example of God's transformative power and the importance of sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
Testimonies 26.9.68
By George Verwer4661:14:30MissionsMAT 6:19MAT 6:33MRK 8:36ACT 1:11ROM 10:141JN 3:16REV 22:12In this sermon transcript, the speaker, Johan van Dam, shares his personal journey of faith and the impact of two books, "The Normal Christian Life" and "The Calvary Road," on his spiritual growth. After joining a traveling team and ministering in Spain for four years, he experienced a profound spiritual change and a new understanding of the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of being with fellow believers and ministering within the temple, even though it may be unseen. The speaker also briefly mentions his background, including growing up in a boisterous family and serving in the army, before finding salvation and hungering for spiritual reality.
I'm Spiritual but Not Religious, the New Gnosticism
By Michael Flowers42322:48GnosticismGEN 15:5MAT 22:37MAT 25:36LUK 9:23PHP 1:61JN 3:16JUD 1:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of grace and how it can keep us from falling and present us faultless before God. He references the book of Jude and emphasizes the amazing ability of God to present us faultless before His glory. The preacher also mentions Matthew 25, where Jesus teaches about the importance of visiting and caring for those who are in prison or in need. He highlights the idea that we will be judged based on how we treat those who break the rules. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the significance of the church as a community and family, emphasizing the importance of coming together and supporting one another.
Love Exceeds All
By Basilea Schlink4129:29God's LoveHumility in LoveMAT 5:44JHN 15:13ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 4:2COL 3:141PE 3:81JN 3:161JN 4:8Basilea Schlink emphasizes the boundless love of God in her sermon 'Love Exceeds All', illustrating how this divine love is a source of refreshment and healing for our dry hearts. She encourages believers to recognize their own lack of love and to seek God's love, which flows freely to those who are empty and in need. Schlink highlights the humility and selflessness of Jesus' love, urging us to embody these qualities in our interactions with others, even those who may be difficult to love. The sermon calls for a commitment to love that transcends personal desires and seeks the well-being of others, ultimately reflecting the kingdom of God. It concludes with a reminder that true love requires sacrifice and a willingness to surrender oneself to God’s transformative power.
The Heavenly Vision
By Phil Beach Jr.3654:35VisionRedemptive LoveHeavenly VisionISA 53:5MAT 11:28JHN 15:13ACT 26:18ROM 12:1PHP 3:81PE 2:211PE 3:91JN 3:161JN 4:7Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of seeing the heavenly vision of Jesus Christ, urging believers to align their lives with God's purpose and to understand that true love is demonstrated through self-sacrifice. He highlights that God's love is redemptive and calls us to lay down our lives for others, just as Christ did for us. The sermon encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with God, recognizing that our lives should reflect His glory and purpose. Beach challenges the congregation to not be disobedient to the heavenly vision, which is centered on making God known to the world.
Session 12: John 17
By Joseph Carroll2741:41Christian LifeSacrificeDiscipleshipMAT 6:13JHN 12:24JHN 14:13JHN 15:16JHN 17:15JHN 17:17ROM 12:12CO 4:10EPH 5:21JN 3:16Joseph Carroll emphasizes the significance of accepting Jesus' teachings and the responsibility that comes with spiritual enlightenment. He highlights the importance of daily prayer for protection from the evil one and the necessity of sanctification through truth. Carroll explains that true discipleship involves self-sacrifice and the manifestation of Christ's love in our lives, which leads to genuine evangelism. He stresses that only through dying to ourselves can we bear fruit for others, and that our service should be directed solely towards Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life of intercession and love, reflecting the character of Christ to draw others to Him.
Genties Seek Things - Sons Seek Gods Kingdom - No Part Darkness - Part 3 - the Profile of a Son
By Phil Beach Jr.241:08:47Profile of a SonLiving in the LightKingdom Of GodPRO 3:5MAT 4:4JHN 4:34JHN 8:29ROM 16:17EPH 5:172TI 4:21JN 1:51JN 3:161JN 5:14Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of understanding the profile of a true son of God, contrasting it with the characteristics of a Gentile. He highlights that true love is demonstrated through the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, and warns against the dangers of marketing the gospel to appeal to the natural man. The preacher calls for a commitment to seek God's glory and to live free from darkness, urging believers to reflect on their inner lives and the influence they allow in their hearts. Ultimately, he stresses that true transformation comes from a heart aligned with Christ, which leads to behaviors that please God.
God’s Love Is Conveyed to Us Only Through Jesus Christ
By David Wilkerson0God's LoveSelf-SacrificeMAT 16:24JHN 1:16JHN 15:13ROM 12:12CO 5:15GAL 2:20EPH 5:2PHP 2:31JN 3:161JN 4:9David Wilkerson emphasizes that God's love is fully expressed through Jesus Christ, as stated in John 1:16. He explains that understanding this love is crucial for our daily lives, as it compels us to follow Christ's example of self-sacrifice. The sermon highlights that just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we are called to lay down our lives for others, not in martyrdom but by dying to our own selfish desires. A true Christian, who has surrendered to God, can then bring hope and life to others through the transformative power of Christ's love. This process involves a deep spiritual inventory and a willingness to be cleansed by Christ's blood.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Hereby perceive we the love of God - This sixteenth verse of this third chapter of John's first epistle is, in the main, an exact counterpart of the sixteenth verse of the third chapter of St. John's gospel: God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, etc. Here the apostle says, We perceive, εγνωκαμεν, we have known, the love of God, because he laid down his life for us. Of God is not in the text, but it is preserved in one MS., and in two or three of the versions; but though this does not establish its authenticity, yet του Θεου, of God, is necessarily understood, or του Χριστου, of Christ, as Erpen's Arabic has it; or αυτου εις ἡμας, his love to us, as is found in the Syriac. A higher proof than this of his love Christ could not have possibly given to the children of men. We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren - We should risk our life to save the lives of others; and we should be ready to lay down our lives to redeem their souls when this may appear to be a means of leading them to God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
What true love to the brethren is, illustrated by the love of Christ to us. Hereby--Greek, "Herein." the love of God--The words "of God" are not in the original. Translate, "We arrive at the knowledge of love"; we apprehend what true love is. he--Christ. and we--on our part, if absolutely needed for the glory of God, the good of the Church, or the salvation of a brother. lives--Christ alone laid down His one life for us all; we ought to lay down our lives severally for the lives of the brethren; if not actually, at least virtually, by giving our time, care, labors, prayers, substance: Non nobis, sed omnibus. Our life ought not to be dearer to us than God's own Son was to Him. The apostles and martyrs acted on this principle.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But whoso hath this world's good,.... The possessions of this world, worldly substance, the temporal good things of it; for there are some things in it, which are honestly, pleasantly, and profitably good, when used lawfully, and not abused, otherwise they are to the owner's hurt: or "the living of this world"; that which the men of the world give up themselves to, are bent upon, and pursue after; or on which men live, and by which life is maintained, and preserved, and made comfortable in the present state of things; such as meat, drink, apparel, money, houses, lands, &c. The Ethiopic version renders it, "he that hath the government of this world"; as if it pointed at a person that is in some high office of worldly honour and profit, and is both great and rich; but the words are not to be restrained to such an one only, but refer to any man that has any share of the outward enjoyments of life; that has not only a competency for himself and family, but something to spare, and especially that has an affluence of worldly substance; but of him that has not, it is not required; for what a man distributes ought to be his own, and not another's, and in proportion to what he has, or according to his ability: and seeth his brother have need; meaning, not merely a brother in that strict and natural relation, or bond of consanguinity; though such an one in distress ought to be, in the first place, regarded, for no man should hide himself from, overlook and neglect his own flesh and blood; but any, and every man, "his neighbour", as the Ethiopic version reads, whom he ought to love as himself; and especially a brother in a spiritual relation, or one that is of the household of faith: if he has need; that is, is naked and destitute of daily food, has not the common supplies of life, and what nature requires; and also, whose circumstances are low and mean, though not reduced to the utmost extremity; and if he sees him in this distress with his own eyes, or if he knows it, hears of it, and is made acquainted with it, otherwise he cannot be blameworthy for not relieving him. And shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him; hardens his heart, turns away his eyes, and shuts his hand; has no tenderness in him for, nor sympathy with his distressed brother, nor gives him any succour: and this shows, that when relief is given, it should be not in a morose and churlish manner, with reflection and reproach, but with affection and pity; and where there is neither one nor the other, how dwelleth the love of God in him? neither the love with which God loves men; for if this was shed abroad in him, and had a place, and dwelt in him, and he was properly affected with it, it would warm his heart, and loosen his affections, and cause his bowels to move to his poor brother: nor the love with which God is loved; for if he does not love his brother whom he sees in distress, how should he love the invisible God? Jo1 4:20; nor that love which God requires of him, which is to love his neighbour as himself.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16-18 Christ’s example shows that real love involves self-sacrifice. We do this by becoming truly concerned about the needs of others and by unselfishly giving time, effort, prayer, possessions, and even our lives to supply those needs.